By Mark Phillips
HORSE RACING
Saturday fixtures:
Aintree (National Hunt) 1.45pm. (Grand National off time of 5.15pm)
Bangor (National Hunt) 1.55pm.
Newcastle (National Hunt) 12.30pm.
Thirsk (Flat) 12.55pm.
Wolverhampton (All Weather Flat) 4.57pm.
With no racing in Ireland on Saturday the eyes of the racing world are firmly focused on Aintree, Liverpool where the Grand National over the stamina-sapping 4 miles and 2 furlongs trip is due off at 5.15.
40 runners head to post for this fascinating contest, two of which are trained here in Waterford.
Henry De Bromhead trains the defending champion Minella Times who now carries top weight under Rachael Blackmore, while down at the other end of the handicap, Kerry National winner Poker Party is the second Knockeen trained entry and the mount of previous Grand National winning jockey Robbie Power.
The action at Aintree is underway at 1.45pm.
Sunday Fixtures:
The Curragh (Flat) 1.20pm.Tramore (National Hunt) 2.15pm.
Stratford (National Hunt) 1.50pm.
Wincanton (National Hunt) 1.00pm.
Tramore stage a seven race card on Sunday afternoon. There are three hurdle races, three steeplechases with a mares bumper ending proceedings..
Ireland's leading trainers Willie Mullins, Henry De Bromhead and Gordon Elliott saddle plenty of runners during the afternoon. In the final race of the session four of the eleven entries are trained in Waterford.
Racing also takes place in Tramore on Monday afternoon. Its students day and the National Hunt action is underway at 4.30pm.
TRAMORE SUNDAY APRIL 10TH
2.15 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Mdn Hdl of €13,000 2m.
2.47 Adare Manor Opportunity Mdn Hdl of €11,000 2m. 4f. .
3.22 Family Fun Day July 3rd H/cap Hdl of €11,500 2m. 4f.
3.57 Tramore Racecourse Directors Chase of €13,000 2m. 5f.
4.30 Book Aug Fest Table H/cap Chase of €15,500 2m. 5f.
5.00 Lismore Handicap Chase of €11,500 1m. 7f. 22yds.
5.30 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Pro/Am Race of €11,000 2m.
TRAMORE MONDAY APRIL 11TH
4.30 Newtown Maiden Hurdle of €10,000 2m.
5.00 Ladies Day August 13th Maiden Hurdle of €10,000 2m.
5.30 Copper Coast Handicap Hurdle of €10,000 2m.
6.00 Anne Valley Walk Handicap Hurdle of €10,000 2m. 4f.
6.30 Tramore Promenade Beg Chase of €11,000 2m. 5f.
7.00 West Waterford Handicap Chase of €10,000 2m. 5f.
7.30 Wfd Hunt Fundraiser Hunters Chase of €10,000 2m. 5f.
GREYHOUND RACING:
There is an eleven race card for patrons to enjoy in Kilcohan Park this evening with the opening contest underway at 7.50pm.
Via the live inter track link patrons can also view the action from Shelbourne Park. where a 12 race card features the final of the Shelbourne Open 600 (Race 8 9.24pm) which carries a first prize of €15,000.. The card also contains 4 x first round heats of the Suncroft Puppy Oaks (Races 4,5,6 and 7).
The inter track service will also show the 4 x third round heats of the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Open competition from Limerick (Races 7,8,9 and 10).
